PESHAWAR: According to Major Henry George Raverty, Khushal Khan Khattak wrote 250 books, but the most commonly used word in his poetry and prose is “Pakhto” which is not only a language, but also a code of conduct known as “Pakhtunwali”.
The Pakhtun nation – with a history of six thousand years – has in different periods been divided into geographical divisions but despite of all the boundaries, they have the same culture values and way of life -“Pakhtunwali” – and anyone who deviates from this code of life, losses the right of being a Pakhtun in the society. This social practice has not only kept our culture alive, but as a nation has defined its moral and social boundaries, bounding everyone to strictly follow it.
‘Doing Pashto’
As a whole, “Pakhtunwali” incorporates cultures values such as honor, courage, sanctity, hospitality, friendship and hostility. And anyone who turns away from these principles is considered outside the Pakhtunwali or the Pakhtun society. Such decisions are not only made individually, but also collectively through serious discussions by “Jirga” members in “hujra”. Hujra is cultural hub for weddings, funerals and other social events in other words, its serves as community center.
Pakhtunwali has some main principles, including hospitality – a high human value that mean respect to all visits irrespective of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status. Panah or asylum which means to provide protection to all those in need at all cost. Justice which means to take revenge against wrong doers at all cost. Among the Pakhtun, when the Jirga decides a ceasefire between two rival parties it is known as “Tiga”. Those who violate it are no more considered as part of Pakhtun. Nanawā́te can typically be used to force a victim, or victim’s family, to forgive a transgressor and offer their protection to the repentant aggressor.
Fading tradition
There are some important values and traditions related the culture and civilization of Pakhtuns. For example, “Gudar” means the special place of Panghat, spring or river, from where the maidens of the villages fill the bowls and take them home. Although, men were not allowed to visit gudar, the place is still famous for its romantic tales, but this tradition has now faded way.